Ski Pylon Camera Mount Tracking System

ABSTRACT

The invention utilizes the use of a boats ski pylon. The unit mounts to the ski pylon and allows for a camera or other recording device to be attached to it so that individuals or items being towed or otherwise propelled behind a boat may be recorded.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This product was formerly filed on 2013 9 Jun., under provisional application No. 61874375 that has now expired.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

N/A

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

N/A

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Camera mount was developed so that a camera operator was not needed while filming water sports such, as skiing, tubing and wake boarding

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The apparatus was developed to allow individuals 10 safely record video/audio footage with a recording device of individuals or stems being towed or otherwise propelled behind a boat or other watercraft that uses a ski pylon or other form of pole for attaching a tow rope. The product simply attaches to the boars ski pylon and the recording device is attached to the tracking head of the unit. The product is designed to accommodate most cameras, cell phones or other small to medium recording devices.

Statement of Problem

Previously, when, an individual wanted to record someone skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, etc behind a boat they would have m individual be the designated camera operator. An individual who is standing or not properly seated or paying attention in a moving boat is dangerous and exposes the individual to potential injury or death due to .sudden movements in the boats direction or speed. This product allows to both the boat captain and passengers to record the action without the need to have a designated camera operator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Drawing 1-A: General overview of main body parts of ski pylon camera mount tracking system. Drawing not to scale

Drawing 2-A: General description of ski pylon camera mount tracking systems sections of the main body. Drawing not to scale.

Drawing 3-A: Shows how apparatus attaches to boats ski pylon. Drawing not to scale.

Drawing 4-A: Shows list of parts used in assembly of ski pylon camera mount tracking system. Drawing not to scale.

Drawing 5-A: Shows how tracking head attaches to main part of unit. Drawing not to scale.

Drawing 6-A: Indicates how tracking head swivels from side to side.

Drawing 7-A: Indicates how tracking head swivels from side to said as tow line moves. Drawing not to scale.

Drawing 8-A: Black and white picture showing upper part of back of main body as it appears when attached to ski pylon.

Drawing 9A: Black and white picture showing lower part of back of main body attached to ski pylon via after-market two-piece spilt ring hangers.

Drawing 10-A: Black and white picture showing front side view of apparatus attached to ski pylon with after-market camera attached.

Drawing 11-A: Black and white picture showing Croat side view of apparatus attached to after-market two-piece hangers that are attached to ski pylon with after-market camera attached.

Drawing 12-A: Black and white picture showing top view of apparatus with tracking head facing front and to the left and right sides with after-market camera attached.

Drawing 13-A: Black and white picture showing how after-market camera attached to tracking head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OP THE INVENTION

The product is designed to mourn to a boats ski pylon using two after-market two piece split ring pipe hangers. By using after-market hangers it allows the product to fit any size ski pylon because hangers are readily available in various sizes at most local hard ware stores. It is made out of steel, stainless steel or aluminum depending on which material the customer wants. The unit is made up of two main pieces, the main body and the tracking head. The tracking head is the part of the unit that holds the end users recording device of choice and attaches to the top of the main body of the unit. The tow rope goes through the rope guide and attaches to the boats ski pylon. As the tow rope moves it moves the tracking head causing it to “track” the movement of the skier behind the boat. 

1. An apparatus made of steel stainless steel or aluminum that attaches to a boats ski pylon so that a camera or otter recording device may be mounted to it to record or otherwise capture video/audio footage or still pictures of individuals or items being lowed or otherwise propelled behind a boat. The apparatus uses after-market two-piece split ring pipe hangers to attach to the boats ski pylon. Using after-market split ring hangers allows for the unit to be versatile enough to fit any ski pylon by simply changing the hanger size used to accommodate the diameter of the ski pylon. The after-market two-piece split ring hangers are generally readily available at most local hardware stores. The apparatus consists of two pieces, the main body that attaches to the ski pylon and the tracking head that attaches to the main body of the unit. The tracking head has two holes in it. One for attaching the tracking Head to the main unit of the body and the other to directly attach the recording device or appropriate after-market mount to secure the recording device to the tracking head. The tracking head has a rope guide welded to the front of it that is rectangular in shape. The tracking head is moveable and swivels from side to side through Interaction with the boats tow rope. The tow rope goes through the rope guide and attaches to the ski pylon. As the boat propels through the water and the individual or item being towed behind the boat changes direction the tow rope comes into contact with the inside edge of the rope guide causing it to change directions. The movement by the tracking head allows the recording device to always be feeing the individual or item being towed.
 2. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, has a powder coated finish consisting of one coat of exterior rust preventative coating and one finish coat of exterior grade powder coating in final color. Final colors vary and are dependent upon end consumers' preference of color.
 3. The apparatus, as claimed in 1, uses stainless steel, hex head bolts, stainless steel bolts with nylon inserts, stainless steel flat washers and stainless steel lock washers in its assembly process. The apparatus also uses oil permeated high pressure that thrust washers that reduce friction allowing the tracking head to move from side to side freely. The tension of the tracking head is adjustable by the end user by simply tightening or loosening the not and bolt, that attaches the tracking head to the main body of the unit.
 4. The apparatus, as claimed in 1, has two ½″ holes in the main part of the unit's body that faces the boats cabin area. These holes are designed to allow for insertion of after-market objects by the end user such as eye hooks, ropes or Velcro fasteners enabling the unit to secure tow ropes, water tubes, life vests and other small items. 